How to plan collaborative project-based learning activities in the math classroom. Check out these engaging PBL ideas for 3rd grade students!
Check out these 50 (!!) project based learning activities to engage and excite students and get you started with PBL.
I love the whole idea of project-based learning! The idea of addressing all subject areas in the context of one project makes so much sense, and allows for better real-life application. I had dabbled in PBL a little bit, but never to the extent of this project, in which I asked students to design a zoo. This was the perfect project for the end of our strange traditional-turned-virtual school year, and the kids really took it and ran with it! They were able to complete it at their own pace, collaborating with their families, and it went so well that I'm already planning to use it again next year when we're (hopefully) back in the traditional classroom. While the task of designing a zoo sounds monumental, I broke it down into individual tasks for my students. Differentiation was easy as I gave families the freedom of doing more or less than suggested for each task, depending on the needs of their child and family. (Let's face it, crisis schooling is not the same as homeschooling; I know some families just didn't have time to go all-out on a project, and that's okay!) Using this in the traditional classroom will make for easy differentiation, too, and I've included teacher tips for both higher and lower lever learners for each task in the download which is available here in my store! This project includes all of the subjects and many first grade standards. First, students select animals to include in their zoo and conduct research on them, making notes about what they eat, what kind of climate they need, and more. Next, they design the habitats based on their research, and create a plaque for each animal exhibit. They work on mapping skills as they create a map of their zoo, and coding as they then use their map to give directions to popular destinations. Math is integrated as they come up with prices for tickets and extra amenities they included in their zoo, and also as they set a feeding schedule for their animals. After all of that work is done, they get to add in art and technology as they design advertisements and create a commercial. Some of my kids even decided to design t-shirts! It was so satisfying as a teacher to see all of the ways my students completed this project. After completing all of the tasks and research, most of them actually set up a physical zoo in their house, and they were incredibly creative! Some of them made animals out of clay, others used stuffed animals--one even used her sister wearing an animal hat! They all truly made it their own, while learning and applying skills along the way. I hope your class has as much fun with this as mine did! You can find it here in my shop or here in my TPT store. Keep teaching with heart and passion!
The past few years I’ve had the opportunity to teach a course entirely through project based learning. Our local university approached a couple of schools in our district and asked us if we were interested in teaching a cross-curricular PBL program where our grade 12 students can earn college credits. Ummmm…. heck yeah! Basically, the ... Read more
Sometimes, we're using project-based learning and other times, we're just doing projects. Here's a project based learning ideas checklist to help clarify.
Seven essential elements to include in your next PBL to
Have students find and implement solutions to real-world problems.
There's still a wide range of understanding of what high quality PBL is and how to plan for it. Here's a step-by-step guide.
Ever wonder how to schedule project-based learning into your already busy classroom schedule? In this post, you'll see sample schedules for every grade!
How to plan collaborative project-based learning activities in the math classroom. Check out these engaging PBL ideas for 3rd grade students!
Maybe you've always wanted to try PBL, but you just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here's a set of beginner-level resources to get you started.
Project-based learning teaches students important 21st-century skills, increases engagement, promotes differentiation and simplifies marking.
Looking for project based learning ideas for middle school or elementary school students? They will love planning a road trip from start to finish!
Hey there, Matt from Digital: Divide & Conquer, and I just wanted to share why you should be pushing project based learning with your students and in your classroom. I’m sure you’ve seen or read plenty of articles about it, but I felt like a little first hand knowledge would go a long way with this. In fact -I’m going to let you know five of my favorite double-secret probation reasons why PBL needs to be in your classroom ASAP. Secret ONE: Picture Books Kick Butt! You know those love affairs you have with books...well, you get to continue them with PBL. Picture books are perfect (for almost every single grade level). No matter the topic or idea, there’s a book for the topic. Books are the "easy button" of PBL. They’ll pull in your learners, give them ideas, and expand their knowledge of subjects. You use picture books for every subject, so why not continue that when there’s project based learning involved. Secret TWO: Pop Culture Happy Hour! Pop culture isn’t just something I have to read about on magazine covers while waiting in line at the grocery store. Nope. Pop culture can be a driving force because nowadays EVERYTHING becomes sensationalized (this is good and bad, don’t get me started). Find those pop culturally relevant moments and turn them into projects and problems for kids to solve. Some of my favorites involve zombies, food trucks, and lost islands in the Pacific that might have dinosaurs. Photo by @shammanaj One of my all-time favorite PBL activities is seeing if students can design their own tiny house. The past couple of years has been a tiny home explosion on television and in cities around the world. If you want your students to understand area, perimeter, and design a house, this is it. Not to mention -you can throw in real-world pop culture from HGTV shows and even have home builders come to school. Secret THREE: BFFs with STE(A)M Science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics....if there was only a way to weave them all together...wait a second... Project based learning extends to this STEM realm because it is the constant force for problem solving. Rather than just hitting each of the identified content areas in STEM, adding PBL portions helps take it to the next level. If you’re already implementing STEM go further and target more than one area of content. This could take a little time, but it’s worth the effort. Secret FOUR: Attack of the Arts Quite possibly my favorite part, the arts play such an important role in PBL because so much of it relies on students using their creativity, imagination, willingness to explore, and opportunities to take chances. I highly encourage my students to draw and design throughout all the stages of PBL (maybe more than most) but I feel it’s necessary and allows students to really get into what they’re working on and learning. When I say "the arts" I'm not just talking about drawing. I'm including visual design, storytelling, music, technology, and so much more. The arts are a crucial and under appreciated part of PBL. Secret FIVE: It Is For All Learners If someone tells you that PBL is just for the talented and gifted, (take a deep breath) and feel free to laugh at them. But maybe not too much. Seriously though, if we’re only giving “top” students a chance at PBL we’re missing out. All kids need opportunities to show off their own differentiated sets of skills. And the chances are pretty great that many kids are craving opportunities to show that they think differently. Give them that chance. As a special education teacher, PBL gives me unlimited abilities to engage my students with the material and concepts AND give them space to create and solve problems in ways I never even imagined. PBL is worth it. So if you're looking to unlock double-secret probation reasons of project based learning that no one ever told you about check out some of my PBL resources to get you started. It's easier than you think. You can find more from me at Digital: Divide & Conquer where I tackle project based learning, technology, and the space in between. SaveSave
Several years ago my district encouraged us to really start moving towards project-based learning in high school science especially - but really in every
Looking for a new way to teach science to your middle school kiddos? Check out these 13 project-based learning ideas for middle school science the entire family will love doing together. You can also make project based learning lesson plans for each one with these suggested extension activities included!
So what exactly is the difference between Project Based Learning and "doing a project"? We like to say: it's the main course, not dessert!
Students LOVE real-life learning, and this "Start a Restaurant" PBL unit will have them asking for more units just like it! Now includes a digital version for Google Classroom! Students will have the opportunity to plan their very own restaurant, create a menu, design an advertisement, and so much more! What better way to have students use real-life math, reading, and writing skills than with this fun restaurant project based learning activity? Click HERE to SAVE 25% with the PBL Activities Bundle for the Year! Please see the PREVIEW above for an idea of everything included in this loaded resource! All of the hard work is done for you. Simply print the NO PREP pages, and let your students make the decisions in this fun Start a Restaurant Project Based Learning Unit! You can use the entire packet for a longer project time-frame, or pick and choose the components that work best for your classroom and schedule. I've even provided some bonus banners for you to use on a bulletin board display. This engaging Restaurant PBL includes: • Unit Guide for Teachers • Planning the Restaurant • Restaurant Supplies • Name and Design It (Outside View) • Name and Design It (Inside View) • Popular Restaurant Themes • Shopping List • Choose a Good Cause • Restaurant Selfies • Scrumptious Snapshots • Text Messaging • Instagram Time • An Award Winning Dish • The Dining Playlist • Mapping Your Restaurant Floor Plan (map skills, map key, spatial awareness) • Restaurant Menu (Create a menu using printable template) • Menu Math • A Restaurant Advertisement (Persuasive Writing) • Scoring Rubrics • More! You might also be interested in these other reading and PBL resources: Design a Haunted House PBL Plan a Thanksgiving Parade PBL Plan a Road Trip PBL Plan a Road Trip PBL How Chocolate is Made Close Reading Packet The History of Chocolate Close Reading Packet Don't forget that leaving feedback earns you points toward FREE TPT purchases. I love that feedback! Also, follow me and be notified when new products are uploaded. New products are always 50% off for the first 24 hours they are posted. It pays to follow me! As always, please contact me with any questions! Thank you, Shelly Rees
Project-Based Homeschooling is based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy. If you're interested in encouraging deep, complex learning, read this!
Learn how Project Pals make it easier for educators to find PBL projects that are just right for their classrooms. Upgrade project-based learning with this powerful platform.
What is project based learning? How can I implement it in my classroom? These are all questions I had just a few weeks ago that many of you may have...
The following is a guest post from Jorge Valenzuela . If you're new to Project Based Learning (PBL), the concept of doing projects can seem daunting, overwhelming, and perhaps outright tricky. Moreover, many educators do have some experience with having their students do or create projects.
Project/Inquiry Based Learning has been a passion of mine ever since I discovered it about 5 years ago. Since then, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and transformed the way I teach from a typical Thematic Based style through baby steps taken each year and with the help of an amazing on-line community of teachers with the same passion (you all know who you are!). My first baby step was taking themes and science/social studies standards and making them more student lead and project based. I got rid of the two week time limit each theme had in the past and allowed more time for students to dig deeper. I found that students would take my broad theme (oceans) and desire to dig deeper into more specific parts of the theme (sharks, jellyfish, ect.). As time went on, I was able to take the biggest step and totally let go of my themes and allowed the children's interests drive my instruction, incorporating the standards through those interests. I am blessed enough to also teach in a district that does not mandate the curriculum I use. Curriculum programs are purchased to use as tools for our toolbox but not required. Us teachers are trusted and encouraged by our superintendent to write our own curriculum as long as the standards are met. My building principle also has that kind of faith in us as professionals! They know that when it comes to children learning what they need to learn, we are the experts! Project/Inquiry Based Learning is highly encouraged in all grades Pre-K through 12. Some wonder how I plan for this style of teaching and how it flows. Here are some of the tools that I use. Once I notice an interest from the students (usually found out through experiences set up for them to explore during play) , I find out what their knowledge and misconceptions are about the subject. Kind of like a KWL chart! I list all that they know about the subject we will dive into. Then I ask what they wonder. I list all of their questions. NOW I can plan! I take their wonderings and create a web map showing the different directions they want to take the inquiry and possible experiences that will help them find answers to their wonderings. I got this web map from the amazing Joanne Babalis and her amazing blog http://myclassroomtransformation.blogspot.com. On the back I have all of the Literacy and Math Standards listed so that I can highlight the ones we will focus on through the inquiry and project. I add any Science and Social Studies Standards to the bottom of the web map. Here is the link to the web map if you would like it: Web Organizer Here is the link to the Common Core Standards Sheet for Kindergarten Language and Math: Kindergarten CC Standards Once I organize my thoughts, I create my inquiry plan using a template I created based on one I found from a Texas school district. It was so long ago I have no memory of which district but if I find out I will add them to give them credit. Their form was 3 pages long. I tweaked it to fit it all on one page. I use this to show the objectives and vocabulary, plan the investigations and materials I will need, show how they will organize the data about what they have learned, possible projects that could result from the inquiry and how we will present the project to the community. Here is the link to this inquiry planner if you would like to download it: Inquiry/Project Planner The next step is to start the investigation phase. In early childhood I set out experiences for them to explore and document what they notice. We also do whole group and small group investigations through books, videos and hands-on experiences. As we answer questions, we add the answers to our wonder chart to show our new learning. We organize this data in a web map format for all to see. The start of an inquiry wall. Information is added to it as we learn. Once we have investigated we use organizational maps to show what we learn. In kindergarten it usually consists of web maps, circle maps, tree charts (can/have/are maps), and brace maps (to show part to whole). We will chose one or two to organize our data. The next step is the project. We take what we learn and create something to show it! The projects can be individual, small group, or whole group. Some examples of projects in our room have been turning an area of our room into an ocean, forest and sky to show how animals adapt in the winter. The kids signed up to be on the migration team, adaption team or hibernation team. They each became experts on their part during the investigation and worked on their part of the project. A cave, forest, sky and ocean were created to show what animals do in the winter. Animals were created, labeled and added to the habitats. A group interested in map making and migration created this map showing migration patterns of monarchs, geese and grey whales. Another project was our The Sound Exploration Area created for our school. They saw a need (an area to explore sound) investigated different ways of creating sound, organized the data and designed a Sound Exploration Area! An area for everyone in our school to explore sound which is in our science standards. They have also turned the inside of our room into a great hall and medeival kitchen and the outside of our room into a castle wall complete with moat and drawbridge after investigating castles! The outside of our castle. A map created by a group interested in maps and where different castles were found in the world. A big book created by a small group about who lived in castles. A small group project during our castle inquiry. They have created murals and big books to show their learning also. A mural planned and created by Kindergartners. The last step is the presentation to show what they had learned. The kids LOVE this part and I've never had a child refuse to present! They are so confident of what they have learned and proud of what they have done that they cannot wait to share it! I am always so impress with their speaking and listening skills during these presentations! Sometimes small groups go to other classrooms and present what they learned, sometimes we invite parents or other classes to our room to see our presentation, and sometimes we create a video to share with others. They create maps, big books, and, get to show off the projects created at this time! Showing what they have learned through these projects gives the projects an even bigger sense of purpose! They can't wait to show others what they have learned and done! Presenting different weapons used during medieval times. I have never had so much fun teaching in my 22 years as I have he past four years! I could never go back to the way I had done it I the past. The benefits of this way of teaching are not only meeting the standards (the old way did that too) but the 21st Century Skills they are forced to develope when they learn in this type of environment. When inquiring, investigating and creating within thier own interest, they are motivated to collaborate, problem solve, handle frustration, persist if things don't work the first time, and learn from their mistakes. They have to use critical thinking skills and develope research skills. When kids develop these skills, they can learn ANYTHING! My new passion that I am learning to incorporate in my classroom is Playbased Learning! I have been amazed by the learning taking place in this way also....but that's another post! SaveSave
The past few years I’ve had the opportunity to teach a course entirely through project based learning. Our local university approached a couple of schools in our district and asked us if we were interested in teaching a cross-curricular PBL program where our grade 12 students can earn college credits. Ummmm…. heck yeah! Basically, the ... Read more
Learn the systems I use to make organizing project based learning (PBL) simple and effective. This includes my awesome learning wall!
Wondering how project-based learning might work in your classroom? This guest post shares five tips for making PBL authentic and engaging for students!
Maybe you've always wanted to try PBL, but you just haven't gotten around to it yet. Here's a set of beginner-level resources to get you started.
What is PBL? Project-based learning is an approach in which students explore real-world problems and challenges to acquire a deepe...
There are many benefits to using movie trailers as an alternative assessment in English class. The main one: students genuinely enjoy them!
The genesis of a great project is the idea itself -- we're providing you with 50 smart project-based learning ideas for your classroom.
These 5 geometry projects for middle or high school are a great alternative assessment for your student. Project-based learning is so important to...
Learn the systems I use to make organizing project based learning (PBL) simple and effective. This includes my awesome learning wall!
Do you want to get started with project based learning, but you’re not sure how? Maybe project based learning sounds too complicated, in-depth, and overwhelming to you? That’s how I felt when I first delved into PBL. But now I know there is nothing to be afraid of! In this post, I will give a quick explanation of project-based learning and then give you some tips and ideas to begin to implement it in your own classroom. What is Project Based Learning? Project based learning, simply stated, is an authentic learning experience
What is project-based homeschooling? It's real-life learning experiences and ideas from elementary to middle school, and on to high school.
If you are getting started with inquiry, you may wonder where to start and how to prepare for something that is student-led. Although using an inquiry
Have you thought about project-based learning in your homeschool? I developed this step-by-step guide to help homeschool parents use this method.
Are you looking to elevate your Ecosystems and Biomes unit? This 4th or 5th grade project based learning unit for ecosystems incorporates science, nonfiction reading, research, writing, and the arts! Read to find out how I organized the research project, what our launch activity was, the driving que
This blog post will introduce you to six simple, fun, and enriching project-based learning ideas for your English Language Arts classroom.
Planning project-based learning becomes a little tricky when it comes to the academic standards. This post provides tips for teaching PBL with standards!
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING What is PBL? The Buck Institute created this helpful video for teachers. Here is a great link to...
In this blog post we are going to cover the first 3 steps to project based learning: the entry event, the driving question, and student need-to-knows. In case you missed the first part of this blog series- “What is PBL?” you can click here to go back and read it. Before starting the project with ... Read more
Read on to get some great ideas for project-based learning in your middle school classroom!
With this math project based learning unit your students will design a dream bedroom and apply the skills of area and perimeter, surface area, scale factor, adding decimals and multiplication. This highly engaging math pbl unit will show your students the real world applications of what they are learning in class! ** Now includes METRIC and CUSTOMARY versions of all measurement pages! Please open the PREVIEW to see what is included in this fun project! This math PBL includes: Project overview Outline of suggested daily plans Helpful hints for teachers Student pages for all activities (includes metric and customary versions of all measurement pages) 2 student reflection pages 3D model pieces for beds and dressers Extra grid paper for students to build their own 3D models of additional furniture Rubric for project Photo examples Your students will: learn about scale factor and apply it to drawing a floor plan learn how to draw blue print symbols to identify where they will put their door and window(s) use furniture dimensions to calculate the area and perimeter of their furniture use furniture dimensions to draw their furniture to scale on their floor plan calculate the area of their bedroom floor and the surface area of their bedroom walls and use this information to make decisions about flooring and wall treatments draw a final floor plan to show where all of their furniture will be in their room Extensions included in this resource Dream bedroom expenses: students will keep a running tab of how much money they spend on their dream bedroom design 3D Model: students will create a 3D model, to scale, of the dream bedroom they have designed. They will use the provided floor/wall templates to "build" the room, use the bed and dresser templates to get started with furniture, and then create nets to "build" any additional furniture they include. This is the perfect math PBL project for kids to practice using their math skills in a real world situation while incorporating art and design into your math class. Skills Included in This Project: scale area perimeter multiplication, division, addition surface area 3D nets of solids (furniture) organization visual spatial skills Customary and Metric versions are included for: walls, doors and window measurements and planning floor plan drawing sheet furniture dimensions list paint/wallpaper dimensions and costs flooring dimensions and costs 3D model templates for: floors, walls, beds, dressers You may also like my: Design a Food Truck Project Based Learning Million Dollar Math Project Geometry City Angles and Lines Project Follow me and be notified when new products are added to my store. New products are always 50% off for the first 24 hours they are posted! Thanks! Dawn - Hello Learning ⭐⭐ Did you know that leaving feedback on your TpT purchases earns you credits that will save you money? Go to your ‘My Purchases’ page and leave feedback on the resources you’ve purchased to earn TPT credits toward future purchases!
For each of the 13 potential outcomes of project-based learning, I added a tip to help increase the chance that this potential is realized.
Why are we still giving so many tests? First, the obvious reason; the state and other entities require us to give standardized tests each year. Ok, I think we can all agree this is the most pressing reason, and it has a trickle-down effect that we will get into later (i.e. the only way to get kids
